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tion, construction, and defensive force of Clyro Keep. "How many men? What kind of war machines will I need?" |
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Sir Guy rubbed the back of his neck, and pulled his beard. "Men? Four or five hundred should do, but the machines are another matter. You see, because it is not a moated keep but stands on a hill, the force of your missiles is greatly spent only rising up the slope while theirs have that much greater force. Lady, I do not know how to explain such matters to you in words. From the wall, the trenchbut can cast" |
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"You do not need to explain. I see that clearly enough. How large would our engines need to be?" |
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Sir Guy shook his head. "How can I say in words? Larger than any on Roselynde's walls except perhaps those that are made to throw stones out to ships on the sea." |
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"It is well wooded at Clyro. Will green timber do for construction?" |
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"For a while, perhaps. It warps, you see." |
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A nice young man, Alinor thought, but not too well taught. If he was to be useful, Ian would need to take him in hand. Ian Her heart lurched. Alive, yes, but in what condition? Was he hurt? What did Sir Peter want? Would he hurt Ian if she came with an army? If he threatened to maim Ian in case of an attack, what should she do? What could she do? Perhaps she should go alone. She could promise anything. No, that would not do. If she were in Sir Peter's power, promises could be wrung from Ianand he would keep his promises in spirit as well as in the letter, which Alinor, of course, had no intention of doing. |
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What could Sir Peter want? Only Clyro Hill and freedom from obligation. All that nonsense about Ian conspiring with Llewelyn, that must have been some kind of blind, but what? What? Let him have the land, Alinor thoughtfor as long as he lives, which would not be above a few days. Then her eyes narrowed. That |
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